Country’s ports, sea routes can connect economy to world: PM

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has said Bangladesh’s strategic and geographic position gives its seaports, waterways and coastal economy significant potential to connect with the global economy.

“We have to turn this shared geography into shared prosperity,” he said while inaugurating the Bay of Bengal Conversation 2026 at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel in Dhaka on Saturday (October 3).

Organised by the Centre for Governance Studies, the three-day international forum is being held from October 3 to 5, bringing together policymakers, diplomats, business leaders, academics and other participants from around the world.

Tarique Rahman said Bangladesh has major opportunities in shipping, fisheries, tourism, energy and regional supply chains. He called for deeper bilateral and multilateral engagement to expand cooperation in trade, energy, education, technology, climate and maritime affairs.

Bangladesh believes in dialogue, partnership and mutual respect while protecting its national interests and sovereignty, the prime minister said, stressing that peace and harmony are essential for shared prosperity.

He also said the government was working to make Bangladesh an attractive investment destination and a stronger manufacturing and investment hub, with policy continuity and certainty needed to encourage investors.

Highlighting the country’s large young population, Tarique Rahman said Bangladesh was focusing on skills development, employment, technology, artificial intelligence, innovation, entrepreneurship and startups.

The goal, he said, was to enable young Bangladeshis to compete globally and turn “brain drain” into “brain circulation.”

CGS President Zillur Rahman said the conference is bringing together more than 200 speakers, 300 delegates and over 1,000 participants from more than 100 countries.